Seniors John Kling, Luke Malter, and Eli Sisung compete in the Gulf Coast Stampede on Sep. 24 in Pensacola, Florida (photo courtesy Suzanne Kling).

Top 20 finishes by seniors Reed Meric and John Kling led the Jesuit cross country team to a third place finish in the prestigious Gulf Coast Stampede on Sep. 24 in Pensacola, Florida. The meet drew 36 full teams and more than than 300 racers from five states.

Jesuit finished with 167 points, behind a pair of Georgia schools–Grayson High School (Loganville) and Harrison High School (Kennesaw).

Meric finished in 10th place, crossing the finish line of the 5-K course in 17:13. Kling finished 19th with a time of 17:29. Also scoring for the Jays were senior Eli Sisung (28th, 17:34), senior Luke Malter (44th, 17:51) and junior Jordan Tufts (66th, 18:21). A trio of juniors–Chris Ross, Ben Finicle, and Michael Williams–all finished under 19 minutes.

The Jays will run twice next week, sending one group of runners to the Newman Invitational on Thursday, Sep. 29 in Audubon Park. On Saturday, Oct. 1, a second group of runners will head to the Highland Park course in Baton Rouge for the St. Joseph’s Academy Invitational.